How To Save a Dying House Plant: Advice From the Indoorpeace
Are you worried about the health of your indoor plants? After what has definitely been a difficult Winter, it’s time for your to find out whether you have a dead or dying plant, and see if there is anything you can do to help! If you’re looking at how to save a dying house plant, then read on to find out more…
Why Do I Have a Dying Plant?
Over the Winter months, caring for house plants is hard! During this period, your plants are in dormancy and the only thing that is likely to happen is things going wrong. The cold UK climate is all pain and very little gain for your house plants.
During this period, you may see your plants beginning to wilt, brown, or even go mushy depending on the particular plant. From air conditioners to freezing temperatures, there are hundreds of reasons why you may have a dying plant.
That’s why we have developed this definitive list to work out why your indoor plants may be suffering during the winter months and what you can do to stop them! Whether it’s changing your potting soil, buying a new set of pruning shears, or even moving your plant into a room with moist air, there are plenty of things you can do to save your dying house plants!
During this period, you may see your plants beginning to wilt, brown, or even go mushy depending on the particular plant. From air conditioners to freezing temperatures, there are hundreds of reasons why you may have a dying plant.
That’s why we have developed this definitive list to work out why your indoor plants may be suffering during the winter months and what you can do to stop them! Whether it’s changing your potting soil, buying a new set of pruning shears, or even moving your plant into a room with moist air, there are plenty of things you can do to save your dying house plants!
What is Wrong with My Dying Plant?
Sometimes it can be difficult to work out why your indoor plants are beginning to suffer. Is it too much sun or excess water? These are the questions often asked when looking at how to save a dying house plant. With this handy list of things to watch out for, you’ll be a plant doctor in no time!
Too Little or Too Much Sun?
When thinking about sunlight, the telltale sign of an unhappy plant is always going to be its leaves. If a plant has enough light, then its leaves will be a lovely deep green color. They’ll often be strong to the touch as well!
If a plant does not get enough sunlight, then your plant will produce small, pale leaves on weak stems. Spindly and leggy growth can stunt the growth of your houseplant. In rare cases, you may also see leaves turning yellow as well.
Be sure to place this plant in indirect light or direct sun, depending on the plant! From here, keep a close eye on your plant to see if it makes a recovery. It may be best to let
When a plant gets too much sun, this can cause the chlorophyll in the leaves to break down. In turn, this may cause your plant’s leaves to turn brown and become very brittle.
To treat scorched leaves, you will probably need to cut your plant’s affected leaf to its nearest root/stem and wait for regrowth. Be sure to use some sterilized pruning shears! If your plant begins to leak sap, be sure to wipe it up with a dust cloth.
If a plant does not get enough sunlight, then your plant will produce small, pale leaves on weak stems. Spindly and leggy growth can stunt the growth of your houseplant. In rare cases, you may also see leaves turning yellow as well.
Be sure to place this plant in indirect light or direct sun, depending on the plant! From here, keep a close eye on your plant to see if it makes a recovery. It may be best to let
When a plant gets too much sun, this can cause the chlorophyll in the leaves to break down. In turn, this may cause your plant’s leaves to turn brown and become very brittle.
To treat scorched leaves, you will probably need to cut your plant’s affected leaf to its nearest root/stem and wait for regrowth. Be sure to use some sterilized pruning shears! If your plant begins to leak sap, be sure to wipe it up with a dust cloth.
Too Much or Too Little Humidity?
Put simply, humidity is the amount of water vapour present in any given environment. All plants love different environments, from rainforests to desert conditions. It’s your job to replicate this as precisely as possible!
If a plant is not used to humid conditions, then this may cause your plant’s growth to stunt. If an area is too humid, your plant will not be able to get rid of the water vapor, leading to many of the same problems as overwatering. As plants absorb too much water, this means they will receive too many nutrients at once from their soil.
Too much humidity will often manifest itself in your plant’s leaves. Look out for brown withering tips, dying flowers, and brown edges.
To recreate humid conditions (increase humidity) in your home, you can always use a water plant mister or a humidifier. Why not give your plants a shower as well?
Too much humidity will often manifest itself in your plant’s leaves. Look out for brown withering tips, dying flowers, and brown edges.
To recreate humid conditions (increase humidity) in your home, you can always use a water plant mister or a humidifier. Why not give your plants a shower as well?
My Plant has Yellow and/or Brown Leaves…
Yellow leaves are usually a sign of one thing – overwatering! If they’re looking droopy as well, then you have your diagnosis. To treat an overwatered plant, be sure to let the soil dry out fully before watering again.
1. Nutrient Deficiencies:
One of the primary reasons for leaves turning yellow is nutrient deficiencies. Plants require an adequate supply of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, for their proper growth and development. When plants lack these nutrients, they exhibit visible symptoms, including yellowing leaves. For instance, nitrogen deficiency results in overall yellowing, while a lack of iron typically causes yellowing between the veins, known as interveinal chlorosis.
2. Overwatering and Poor Drainage:
Overwatering and poor drainage can have detrimental effects on plant health. When soil remains consistently waterlogged, the roots can suffocate, leading to reduced nutrient uptake and oxygen deprivation. This can manifest as yellow leaves. Additionally, excessive water can leach essential nutrients from the soil, exacerbating nutrient deficiencies and further contributing to yellowing foliage.
3. Under watering and Drought Stress:
Conversely, under watering and drought stress can also trigger leaf yellowing. Insufficient water availability impairs a plant’s ability to perform essential functions, such as nutrient uptake and photosynthesis. Consequently, plants conserve water by sacrificing older leaves, which turn yellow and eventually wither. It is crucial to strike a balance and provide adequate hydration to prevent drought-induced leaf discoloration.
4. Pest Infestations:
Pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, can wreak havoc on plant health. These tiny invaders feed on plant sap, causing damage and depriving the plant of vital nutrients. As a defense mechanism, plants often shed infested leaves, leading to yellowing. Regularly inspecting plants for pests, employing organic pest control methods, and maintaining a healthy growing environment can help prevent infestations and subsequent yellowing.
5. Disease and Fungal Infections:
Plant diseases and fungal infections can also manifest as yellow leaves. Common diseases like powdery mildew and fungal infections like root rot can hinder a plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, resulting in yellowing foliage. Proper sanitation, ensuring adequate airflow, and promptly treating any signs of disease or infection are crucial for preventing yellow leaves caused by these issues.
One of the primary reasons for leaves turning yellow is nutrient deficiencies. Plants require an adequate supply of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, for their proper growth and development. When plants lack these nutrients, they exhibit visible symptoms, including yellowing leaves. For instance, nitrogen deficiency results in overall yellowing, while a lack of iron typically causes yellowing between the veins, known as interveinal chlorosis.
2. Overwatering and Poor Drainage:
Overwatering and poor drainage can have detrimental effects on plant health. When soil remains consistently waterlogged, the roots can suffocate, leading to reduced nutrient uptake and oxygen deprivation. This can manifest as yellow leaves. Additionally, excessive water can leach essential nutrients from the soil, exacerbating nutrient deficiencies and further contributing to yellowing foliage.
3. Under watering and Drought Stress:
Conversely, under watering and drought stress can also trigger leaf yellowing. Insufficient water availability impairs a plant’s ability to perform essential functions, such as nutrient uptake and photosynthesis. Consequently, plants conserve water by sacrificing older leaves, which turn yellow and eventually wither. It is crucial to strike a balance and provide adequate hydration to prevent drought-induced leaf discoloration.
4. Pest Infestations:
Pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, can wreak havoc on plant health. These tiny invaders feed on plant sap, causing damage and depriving the plant of vital nutrients. As a defense mechanism, plants often shed infested leaves, leading to yellowing. Regularly inspecting plants for pests, employing organic pest control methods, and maintaining a healthy growing environment can help prevent infestations and subsequent yellowing.
5. Disease and Fungal Infections:
Plant diseases and fungal infections can also manifest as yellow leaves. Common diseases like powdery mildew and fungal infections like root rot can hinder a plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, resulting in yellowing foliage. Proper sanitation, ensuring adequate airflow, and promptly treating any signs of disease or infection are crucial for preventing yellow leaves caused by these issues.
Solution for plant leaves turning yellow
When faced with yellowing plant leaves, implementing the following solutions can help address the underlying issues and restore the health of your plants:
✔Nutrient Management: Conduct a soil test to identify any nutrient deficiencies. Based on the results, adjust your plant’s fertilizer regimen to provide the necessary nutrients. Choose a balanced fertilizer or supplement with specific nutrients lacking in the soil. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to other problems.
Buy Fertilizers Online
✔Proper Watering: Ensure proper watering practices by maintaining a consistent moisture level. Avoid both overwatering and underwatering, as these can cause stress to the plants and result in yellowing leaves. Water your plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Provide adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
✔Pest Control: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and promptly address any infestations. Use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, to minimize damage. Creating a welcoming environment for beneficial insects, like ladybugs or lacewings, can help control pest populations naturally.
✔Disease Management: Practice good garden hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases. Remove and dispose of infected plant material. Provide proper airflow by spacing plants appropriately and pruning crowded branches. Use organic fungicides when necessary to combat fungal infections.
✔Sunlight Exposure: Ensure your plants are receiving the appropriate amount of sunlight for their specific needs. Some plants may require more shade, while others thrive in direct sunlight. Adjust their location accordingly to prevent sunburn or light deprivation.
✔Nutrient Management: Conduct a soil test to identify any nutrient deficiencies. Based on the results, adjust your plant’s fertilizer regimen to provide the necessary nutrients. Choose a balanced fertilizer or supplement with specific nutrients lacking in the soil. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to other problems.
Buy Fertilizers Online
✔Proper Watering: Ensure proper watering practices by maintaining a consistent moisture level. Avoid both overwatering and underwatering, as these can cause stress to the plants and result in yellowing leaves. Water your plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Provide adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
✔Pest Control: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and promptly address any infestations. Use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, to minimize damage. Creating a welcoming environment for beneficial insects, like ladybugs or lacewings, can help control pest populations naturally.
✔Disease Management: Practice good garden hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases. Remove and dispose of infected plant material. Provide proper airflow by spacing plants appropriately and pruning crowded branches. Use organic fungicides when necessary to combat fungal infections.
✔Sunlight Exposure: Ensure your plants are receiving the appropriate amount of sunlight for their specific needs. Some plants may require more shade, while others thrive in direct sunlight. Adjust their location accordingly to prevent sunburn or light deprivation.